How much do you know about travel insurance?

Cancellations, delays, lost luggage and medical emergencies. These days, it’s no surprise that travel insurance is a hot topic for Canadians. For those who haven’t used travel insurance before, it provides peace of mind to those travelling in the case of a financial loss or risk. While many believe travel insurance only covers you or a family member if medical attention is needed while travelling, various types of travel insurance policies offer coverage for car rentals, a delayed suitcase, or trip cancellation.

If you plan on travelling soon, ask about travel insurance plans offered through CAA. As you already spend so much time planning the perfect trip, taking the extra step to stay safe while away is worth it. Here’s what you need to know.

While on vacation, accidents happen and may require a hospital visit. This can be extremely costly while abroad. With CAA’s emergency medical travel insurance in place, you would be covered for a maximum of $5 million.1 

What does emergency medical travel insurance usually cover?

• Hospital stays, lab tests, nursing and ground ambulance
• Emergency dental expenses
• Transportation back to Canada if you were abroad
• Medical follow-up in Canada if you were abroad
• Reimbursements for vision care, hearing aids, pet care and kennel stays

Did you know if you’re travelling within Canada, not all medical expenses are covered by OHIP? That’s why it’s so important to get emergency medical coverage whenever you vacation out-of-province – even for weekend getaways to Quebec or Manitoba. Travel medical insurance offers peace of mind in providing travel insurance for medical procedures, travel insurance for medical evacuation and travel insurance for medical emergencies. And if you’re travelling with your family, ask about family travel insurance plans. 

Are you planning two or more trips in a year? Frequent travellers can ask about CAA Travel Insurance’s Multi-Trip plans. You’ll be protected against the cost of unexpected medical emergencies for multiple individual trips (up to 4, 8, 15, 30, and 60 days each²) throughout the year. Your Multi-Trip Plan starts each time you leave Canada. If you stay longer than the days included in the plan, a top-up can be purchased. If you are travelling entirely within Canada and have purchased a Multi-Trip plan, your trip days are unlimited, and a Top-Up is not required. 

What’s covered under travel cancellation insurance?

 If you’re wondering, “Can travel insurance cover the cancellation of a trip?” you’re in luck! This type of policy protects you against unexpected events, so you can receive up to the full cost of your unused prepaid non-refundable travel arrangements if an unforeseen event causes your trip to be cancelled, interrupted or delayed. Last-minute sickness and emergencies can happen to anyone. In fact, 80% of trip cancellation claims are because a traveller or one of their immediate family members gets sick or injured.  

If you must cancel your trip, your non-refundable prepaid travel expenses and reorganizing travel plans will be covered. With CAA’s trip cancellation and interruption insurance in place, you would be covered if you had to cancel your trip due to:

• You or your travelling companion or their family member gets sick, injured, quarantined, or passes away, and you need to cancel your trip
• Weather or natural disasters occur ahead of your trip (such as a blizzard, tornado, or storm) 
• Stolen or lost travel documents while on the way to the airport
• The business meeting, conference, or event you were travelling for is cancelled

What’s covered under trip interruption insurance? 

Unlike trip cancellation insurance, which protects you against unforeseen events before you leave, trip interruption insurance protects you while you’re at your destination. If something comes up that cuts your trip short (like a family emergency back home) or extends your stay (like an illness which prevents you from travelling), you can relax knowing your interruption insurance has you covered.  With CAA’s trip cancellation and interruption insurance in place, you would be covered for:

• A missed departure or connection due to weather or an airport strike
• Accommodations and meals due to a schedule change or a missed connection
• Coverage to get you home due to an unforeseen emergency

With BounceBack insurance coverage, you can claim up to $2,000 to continue your interrupted trip after coming home in the event of a medical emergency or death of an immediate family member or a disaster which makes your home uninhabitable. We'll fly you home and return you back to your trip destination and reimburse you up to $2,000 for the cost of your round-trip economy class flight expenses.

How much does travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance depends on your trip and who’s travelling. But it’s worth getting to mitigate risk to your health and wallet. CAA Travel Insurance offers great coverage options for you and your family at a reasonable rate. Plus, CAA Members save up to 20%3 on their policy. Go online to get a quote.   CAA Travel Insurance is designed to protect you while you travel. CAA Travel Insurance emergency medical plans now include up to $5 million CAD in coverage for COVID-19-related illnesses in destinations with Level 3 or lower travel advisories. CAA Members also save up to 20% on travel insurance. Visit a CAA Store or contact a CAA Travel Consultant by calling 1-800-267-8713. 

~CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance. Quotes are valid for 30 days.~

~All pre-existing medical conditions must be stable within 7 days prior to departure. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply.~

~1. Up to $5 million CAD. Maximum $25,000 for all Emergency Medical Insurance benefits for Canadian residents without active Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP); and/or without GHIP authorization to cover trip days in excess of 212 days in Ontario in a 12-month period.~

~2. Medical Multi-Trip Annual Plans cover 4, 8, 15, 30, or 60 days per trip depending on the plan you purchased. Top-Up coverage is available for longer trips. Coverage cannot extend beyond 365 days from departure date or effective date.~

~3. Applies to CAA Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by Membership expiry date). Up to twenty percent (20%) savings applies to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Subject to change without notice. Excludes Visitors to Canada Insurance. CAA Everyday, Classic®, and Plus® Members save 10%. CAA Premier® Members save 20% at CAA Stores or by calling 1-800-267-8713. CAA Premier Members save 10% and earn 10% in CAA Dollars® when booking online.~

~4. Terms and conditions apply. $5 million CAD emergency medical coverage, is dependent on having received all Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines, at least 14 days prior to departure. Please see the COVID-19 Endorsement for details.~

~®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.~